Authorities have released more information about a high speed chase earlier this week through three western Iowa counties. It started around 2 a.m. Monday in Red Oak. Officers say they stopped 32-year-old Shaun Akers of Stanton for speeding.

Akers took off and led police on a chase that topped 100 miles per hour through Montgomery, Mills and Pottawattamie Counties. Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker says Akers is facing several charges, possibly including OWI, after he flipped his car on its top near Treynor.

“We did draw blood from Mr. Akers,” Danker said. “We suspect he may’ve been driving while intoxicated, but due to him being admitted to the hospital, we really couldn’t do any tests.” Akers suffered only minor injuries in the crash. Deputies threw out Stop Sticks – hoping to end the chase – about two miles before Akers crashed.

Danker says Akers drove around the sticks and the deputies were nearly hit by his car. “When the vehicle tries to avoid (the Stop Sticks), sometimes the officer can be seriously injured or killed,” Danker said. At one point during the chase, Akers allegedly slammed on his brakes, forcing a police cruiser to crash into his bumper. Danker says it’s always difficult for officers and supervisors to know when to call off a chase.

“We really want to get them stopped because it’s obvious, whoever you’re pursuing, they have not regard for traffic laws and other people’s safety,” Danker said. “We’d like to them stopped and arrested, but there are times when you just have to back off, let the pursuit go and try and catch them another time.”